THE GRIEVING Evesham family of a man killed in a hit-and-run in London have called for a change in the law after the driver was only charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Andrew Lindup, 36, was killed on December 15, 2016 by ‘cowardly’ Daroush Fayaz who served just 61 days of an original six month sentence after pleading guilty to failing to stop .
A lack of witnesses to the incident meant no evidence was available to prosecute the 25-year-old for death by dangerous driving.
An off-duty police officer had noted Fayaz’s driving in the vicinity of the incident but, because he had no equipment to record his speed, no evidence was submitted.
Fayaz parked his van in a side road and fled and only gave himself to police up some 15 days later.
Speaking to the Observer, Andrew’s father David said a law change was needed and claimed the current legislation was an ‘incentive’ to drivers to leave the scene.
“He didn’t stop, didn’t brake, and because of the lack of evidence at the scene, the CPS decided not to bring charges of causing death by dangerous or careless driving,” he said.
Fayaz was also banned from driving for 14 months, fined £200 and ordered to sit an enhanced driving test, a punishment which Mr Lindup and his devastated family say did not fit the crime.
“He’s shown no remorse, he has not said sorry and has never looked me in the eye, he’s nothing more than a coward,” he said.
“The way the current law works is almost an incentive to leave the scene of an incident because the punishment is a lot more serious if he had stayed around.”
“Failing to stop should be equal to death by dangerous driving, up to 14 years in prison because those who leave are nothing more than despicable cowards.”
The grieving father paid tribute the ‘sweetest’ son and revealed Andrew was on the brink of starting a new life for himself in Berlin.
“He was the most caring lad. He used to phone us every week and was very busy in his job as an IT manager at Islington Council.
“For his funeral we had to hire the biggest crematorium in North London and more than 250 people came to say their goodbyes.”
Andrew’s family, led by his sister Amy, have launched a petition calling on the Government to try and change the charges and the sentence for the charges of failing to stop.
The Government will respond to the petition should it reach 10,000 signatures while it will be considered for a debate in the House of Commons if it reaches 100,000 names.
Visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/208008 and click on ‘Sign this petition’ to show your support.
